The phrase
"radiographic changes" refers to the differences or abnormalities that can be seen on images obtained through radiographic techniques, such as X-rays or CT scans. These changes are used by doctors to identify and diagnose various medical conditions or injuries.
Full definition
The severity of
radiographic changes in a particular dog can range from normal to mildly affected to severely affected.
Additionally, discomfort and lack of flexibility from the arthritic changes in Molly's back and hip (and potentially other places that are not yet
showing radiographic changes) make her less able to normally groom.
A slight loss of condition, increased lung sounds, and mild to
moderate radiographic changes, such as right ventricular enlargement, are present.
Fox PR, Broussard JD, Peterson ME: Electrocardiographic and
radiographic changes in cats with hyperthyroidism: Comparison of population evaluated during 1979 - 1982 vs. 1992.
There are multiple environmental factors such as caloric intake, level of exercise, and weather that can affect the severity of clinical signs and phenotypic expression (
radiographic changes).
Interestingly, in one study the amount of gross and histopathologic damage in the shoulder joints was greater than
radiographic changes, 5 so similar studies based on radiographic changes alone are not necessarily as reliable.
Christie Keith's second heartworm - positive dog, Bran, had
no radiographic changes and no allergies, so Keith opted not to do the Immiticide treatment on him.
The two remaining puppies had
no radiographic changes through nine months of age, and remained sound until 16 months when they were placed in homes.
Despite high quality x-rays, it is impossible to identify all FCP and OCD lesions without using special techniques and the diagnosis is based on the clinical findings and
the radiographic changes of osteoarthrosis.
Radiographic changes that might occur include an enlarged right heart along with an enlargement of the pulmonary artery.
Beyond an abnormal physical exam or
radiographic changes, there are a variety of clinical signs that can increase a clinic1an's suspicion for heart disease and increase the indication for echocardiogram.
Feline Echocardiography Cats can be particularly challenging cardiology patients because they can have severe cardiomyopathy despite the absence of physical exam abnormalities,
radiographic changes and / or clinical signs.
Diagnosis is based on clinical signs and
radiographic changes.
The main limitation of standard radiography is that
radiographic changes may lag behind the onset of clinical signs in the first 2 to 4 weeks of infection.
Fox PR, Peterson ME, Broussard JD: Electrocardiographic and
radiographic changes in cat with hyperthyroid: Comparison of populations evaluated during 1992 - 1993 vs. 1979 - 1982.